Bhubaneswar: Odisha is gearing up to introduce a melanistic (black) tiger safari in Baripada in the Mayurbhanj district, with preparations already in full swing.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Susanta Nanda, announced the project on Wednesday, stating that the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA) has granted approval, and the state is now awaiting permission from the Supreme Court.
Nanda said that work on the melanistic tiger safari will begin shortly. It is planned to house four melanistic tigers from Nandankanan Zoo, along with another tiger carrying the melanism gene, however, no wild melanistic tigers will be released into the safari, he added. The goal is to increase their numbers through this initiative, he further said.
The PCCF (Wildlife) mentioned that preparations for the safari are progressing rapidly, with some groundwork already underway. In addition to the safari, a treatment center for providing medical care to wild animals is also being developed. While the CZA has given its go-ahead, the final green light from the Supreme Court is awaited, and the project is expected to commence soon.
This melanistic tiger safari, a first of its kind, aims to offer a unique experience while supporting conservation efforts for this rare and endangered species.
